St. Luke's and Mercy Medical Center will temporarily lift visitor restrictions due to the low number of H1N1 and seasonal influenza cases in the Cedar Rapids metro area.
Effective January 11, there will no longer be restrictions on the age or number of visitors for patients in the main hospital. The temporary lift on these restrictions is being closely monitored by Linn County Public Health and if trigger points indicate an increase in H1N1 or seasonal influenza activity in our community, the restrictions will be put back into place to provide optimal safety for patients during this flu season.
St. Luke's and Mercy Birthing Centers will allow siblings to visit newborns but other children are asked to stay home. Siblings will also receive a health screening upon admittance.
We thank you for your patience and support in enforcing these policies over the last few months.
All prenatal classes that do not include children will still continue. All support groups and classes that include infants and children continue to be cancelled until further notice. This includes:
Mothers in need of breastfeeding support should call 319/369-8944.
Since some of our classes and support groups were cancelled due to flu precautions, St. Luke's now offers a limited number of groups online. Ask questions of a St. Luke's expert and connect with other new moms in the community.
Learn more about online classes and support groups.
VIDEO: St. Luke's H1N1 Community Program Part 1
VIDEO: St. Luke's H1N1 Community Program Part 2
Cover your cough - use a tissue or your elbow.
Clean your hands - use soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Contain germs - stay home when you're sick.
H1N1 response coordinated in collaboration with Linn County Public Health and Mercy Medical Center.
